Cole-Hamilton: A&E Crisis should be top of new FM's in-tray

Responding to new figures showing that only 64.7% of patients were seen across Scotland within the 4 hour target, and waits deteriorating at hospitals across the Scotland, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader and health spokesperson Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP said Humza Yousaf's NHS recovery plan had failed and that the crisis should be at the top of the new FM's in-tray.

Performance against the 95% 4-hour waiting time target has plunged at hospitals across the country with only:

• 42.2% seen on time at Edinburgh’s Royal Infirmary
• 44.5% seen on time at the Forth Valley Royal Hospital
• 44.6% seen on time at the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary

Alex Cole-Hamilton said:

“Humza Yousaf and this SNP government have been telling us for years how their latest plan will finally be the plan that will right the ship in the NHS, but each one has failed.

“As the SNP leadership race comes to a close it is clear the ongoing crisis in Scotland's NHS will have to be at the top of the new First Minister's in tray.

"The new First Minister certainly cannot continue the SNP's opposition to our constructive proposals such as an urgent inquiry into the hundreds of avoidable deaths linked to the emergency care crisis, a burnout prevention strategy and a health and social care staff assembly.  

“Patients wait for hours on end week after week, all the while the candidates to be our new First Minister squabble over independence plans. They are being taken for granted by a party who just simply does not share their concerns and priorities.”